The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to deepen the integration of Emirati-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within Dubai’s rapidly expanding real estate sector.
The agreement establishes a framework for enhanced coordination between the two government entities, enabling Dubai SME members to access a broader range of opportunities across real estate activities, including owners’ associations and operational functions.
Real estate companies will collaborate with SMEs across design, contracting, consultancy, and property management, strengthening participation throughout the sector’s value chain.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position the emirate as a leading global hub for multinational corporations, SMEs, and local enterprises.
Dubai SME is targeting the launch of 8,000 new businesses by 2033 while increasing the number of supported enterprises to 27,000, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024.
The partnership also supports the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which focuses on increasing homeownership, boosting the sector’s contribution to GDP, and enhancing transparency and competitiveness.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri Acting CEO Dubai SME
“Inspired by our city’s visionary leadership, this partnership with Dubai Land Department reflects our commitment to embedding Emirati entrepreneurs more deeply within Dubai’s high-growth sectors, particularly real estate, which remains a cornerstone of the Emirate’s economic diversification program. By strengthening collaboration between government entities and creating direct pathways for engagement between Emirati entrepreneurs and developers, we are bolstering confidence in sustained government support for SMEs and positioning Dubai as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Shehhi, CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency at the Dubai Land Department, noted that, “This agreement underscores the Dubai Land Department’s commitment to strengthening integration across government entities and expanding strategic partnerships that support the sustainable growth of Dubai’s real estate sector. We consider Small and Medium Enterprises key contributors to the sector’s value chain, and we are keen to empower them to operate in a clear, enabling regulatory environment while enhancing their readiness to participate in various real estate activities.
The agreement prioritizes regulatory awareness and professional development. DLD will provide guidance on real estate legislation and operational standards, supported by joint workshops and awareness initiatives.
Dubai SME will facilitate access to DLD services, organize specialized training programs, and coordinate matchmaking initiatives connecting SMEs with developers and industry stakeholders.
Developers actively supporting SME participation will also receive formal recognition, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and shared value creation across the sector.
Dubai’s real estate sector continues to deliver robust performance. In 2025, the emirate recorded more than 270,000 transactions valued at over $250 billion (AED 917 billion), reflecting strong investment momentum and high investor confidence.
The positive trend has continued into 2026. In the first quarter alone, Dubai recorded around $68.6 billion (AED 252 billion) in transactions across more than 60,300 deals.
Total real estate investments during the same period reached approximately $47.1 billion (AED 173 billion), underscoring sustained demand from both local and international investors.
